South Asian, general in Romania

Introduction / History

The South Asians who live in Romania migrated from India and Sri Lanka during the last century. Most of the South Asians have retained their religions of Hinduism and Islam. These Asians are businessmen, bankers, storeowners, and merchants. They maintain business contacts with fellow South Asians all over the globe. They help bring products from India and Sri Lanka into European markets. These items include tea, spices, cotton cloth, and brass goods.

The South Asians in Romania attempt to continue with the same pattern of family and culture as their ancestors did in India. However, most young Asians are becoming westernized by their surroundings in Europe.

The South Asians in Bucharest speak Hindi and Sinhala at home but Romanian, German and English with their customers.

Where Are they Located?

The South Asians of Romania mostly live in the capital city of Bucharest.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The South Asians of Romania are a blended culture. They mix elements of their old Indian ways and their new European ways. The Hindus go to temples to practice the prayers and rituals that make up Hinduism. The Muslims go to mosques on Friday to pray and hear the teachings of Mohammad. It is difficult to find similarities in such diverse groups, but one thing is common among the South Asians; the importance of one's family and putting its needs over the needs of the individual.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Living so far away from the heart of Hinduism and Islam the Romanian South Asians often do not have the zeal of many Indian Hindus and Muslims from the Middle East. They are much more open to the message of Christ than if they had stayed in their country of origin. A small group of South Asians have become believers in the past few years.

What Are Their Needs?

The South Asians in Romania need to hear a clear message about Jesus Christ in a way they can understand. They need to see Christianity lived out before them in practical ways. Christians can build friendships with South Asians in Romania without the fear of persecution.

Prayer Points

Pray that God leads Romanian believers to reach out and share the good news with their South Asian neighbors.
Pray for South Asian families in Romania to be drawn to Jesus and to the Bible to find out more about Jesus.
Pray that many of the Romanian South Asian people will come to love God with their whole being and will walk in His ways.

Text Source:   Keith Carey